When Christmas is Hard

In the middle of the “most wonderful time of the year,” many of you are facing a dilemma or difficulty. You may have a strained relationship with one or multiple family members. Perhaps you’re lonely or grieving a loss and the holidays are particularly painful for you. Or, this is the busiest time of the year and you dread the rat race that often accompanies this season.

Whatever the case may be, we want to provide you with resources to help guide you through this season’s difficulties in a biblical way. Below, you will find some family- and holiday-related questions people have asked Billy Graham over the years, along with his answers.

Help the LonelyThis Christmas was very hard for me. Most of my relatives are gone now (including my husband), and the few I do have are either too old or live too far away, so I was completely alone. Please tell people to reach out to lonely people during holidays, because it’s hard for them.Be a friend »

Can’t Afford GiftsMy husband lost his job recently and we really can’t afford to give people as much for Christmas this year as we have in the past. But I’m afraid we’ll offend them if we cut back too much. I know this isn’t a spiritual question, but how should we handle this? Don’t go into debt »

Hectic HolidaysI know Christmas is still some weeks away, but I’m already getting uptight about it. It’s always such a hectic time and we always end up spending far more than we planned to. To be honest, I don’t really enjoy Christmas any more, although I know I ought to. Any suggestions?Make Christmas meaningful »

Wayward ChildrenOur son will be coming home from college for the Christmas holidays, and the last time he was here he let it be known that he didn’t believe in God like he used to. We ended up in a big argument because we couldn’t answer his questions, but we don’t want that to happen again.Show the love of Christ »

Influence Neighbors for ChristOur neighbors really get into Christmas in a big way—lots of decorating, parties, expensive gifts and so forth. But to them it’s just a time to have family fun, with no religious meaning. How can we get them thinking about the real meaning of Christmas?Pray for them »

Teach Children the Real Meaning of ChristmasOur two children are getting very excited about Christmas right now (which is understandable, of course). But how can we help them also see the real meaning of Christmas, without sounding like we’re against all the things that excite them about the holidays?Start today »

Overcome Family DisagreementsMany years ago, my sister and I had a sharp disagreement about something and haven’t talked to each other since. But recently I realized this wasn’t the way God wanted me to act, and since then I’ve tried to reach out to her (without success). My Christmas card to her even came back unopened and refused. Should I just give up?Hope for change »

Holiday Time Demands From FamilyChristmas is still months away but I’m already dreading it. The problem is that we never get to have our own Christmas as a family, because our relatives insist we spend the entire time with them. I’m exhausted by the time we get through with all the travel and emotional tensions. I don’t see any way to break this cycle, but maybe you have some ideas.Plan carefully »

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Patti, you just wrote your comment 5 minutes ago.I want you to know that I am praying right now for you and all 5 of your children, especially the twins. This breaks my heart 4 you. Draw near to Jesus. Keep yours eyes on Him. Stay in the Word!

Today, our children are grown, and have many 'brothers and sisters', not just friends and family, because we spent so much of our Christmas time with others. They love so much more deeply. I pray that you embrace your 'extended family' at this time

Reading all the comments, I pray GOD's blessing will flow on each and every one of you. I have 5 children, and two (twins) will not speak to me. The girl, I have no idea where she is at, but she has 4 children (my grandchildren) and I am worried.